How to Grow Nasturtium Trailing Mahogany Trailing Orange
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Nasturtium Trailing Mahogany Trailing Orange
Tropaeolum majus
flowerNasturtium is a vibrant flowering plant with distinctive shield-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers in warm colors. The trailing varieties sprawl across beds, containers, and hanging baskets, making them excellent for cascading displays. Both flowers and leaves are edible and add a peppery flavor to salads.
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Example Nasturtium Trailing Mahogany Trailing Orange timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nasturtium Trailing Mahogany Trailing Orange
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Nasturtium Trailing Mahogany Trailing Orange blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grown as annuals in all zones; thrives best in zones 2-11 with warm-season growing
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Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge within 7-10 days. True leaves develop quickly with the characteristic round, shield-shaped form. Plants are tender and susceptible to frost.
Keep soil warm (65-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light. Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors after last frost.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants develop climbing or trailing stems with abundant foliage. Stems elongate rapidly, producing multiple leaf nodes. No flowers yet; focus is on establishing vine structure.
Pinch back growing tips if desired to encourage bushier growth and more branching. Provide support or allow to cascade. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes leaves over flowers.
Budding & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFirst flower buds appear at leaf axils. Buds are tight and clustered. Early flowers open in warm weather, revealing mahogany, orange, or bicolor petals.
Continue consistent watering and reduce fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Provide bright light for vibrant color intensity.
Peak Flowering
6-8 weeksAbundant trumpet-shaped flowers in mahogany, orange, or mahogany-orange blend cover the vines. Blooms are up to 2 inches wide and fragrant. Plant is in full trailing or sprawling form.
Deadhead regularly for continuous flowering. Water consistently but allow slight drying between waterings. Continue minimal fertilization. Enjoy edible flowers in salads.
Late Season & Seed Development
Until first frostFlowering may slow if temperatures drop or if plants become overgrown. Seed pods develop as small, round, green fruits if flowers are left to set seed.
Cut back tangled vines if desired. Allow a few flowers to set seed for self-seeding next year, or deadhead to extend bloom. Reduce watering slightly as growth slows.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
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Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and control. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Improve air circulation around plants.
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Pick off by hand if small populations. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Row covers in early season can prevent egg-laying.
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Spray with water to increase humidity and dislodge. Use neem oil or miticide spray if severe. Keep plants well-watered as stress increases susceptibility.
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Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Use beer traps or copper barriers. Remove mulch close to plants to reduce hiding spots.
Uses
Edible Flowers & Peppery Greens
CulinaryBoth flowers and leaves have a distinctive peppery, mustard-like flavor from glucosinolates. Use fresh flowers to garnish salads, soups, and desserts for color and zesty heat. Young leaves can be added to green salads or used as a peppery garnish. [source]
Nasturtium Capers
CulinaryImmature seed pods can be pickled and used as a caper substitute. Pick pods when small (about pea-sized) and brine or pickle them for a tangy condiment that adds pops of flavor to dishes. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalNasturtium has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potential antibacterial and antifungal properties. A tea made from leaves or flowers has been used as a folk remedy for respiratory and urinary tract support. [source]
Natural Pest Control
HouseholdNasturtiums are well-known trap crops in companion planting, attracting aphids and other pests away from vegetable gardens. Plant them strategically around vegetable beds to protect crops while sacrificing the ornamental planting. [source]
Floral Art & Garnish
CraftThe vibrant mahogany and orange flowers are popular for floral arrangements, pressed flower crafts, and decorative garnishes. Their long trailing stems and abundant blooms make them ideal for hanging basket displays and cascading garden design. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick flowers in the morning after dew dries but before heat of day. Harvest both flowers and young seed pods (capers) regularly. For capers, pick small round green pods about the size of peas and pickle them. Flowers are most flavorful and colorful when picked fresh just before use. Leave some flowers unharvested to maintain the ornamental display.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Nasturtium' comes from the Latin 'nasus tortus' meaning 'twisted nose,' referring to the peppery, nose-tingling sensation of eating the flowers and leaves.
- 🌱 Nasturtiums are native to Central and South America and were brought to Europe by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, where they became beloved ornamentals and edibles.
- 🌱 The plant's leaves are hydrophobic (water-repellent) with a waxy coating that causes water droplets to bead up and roll across the surface in beautiful spheres—this phenomenon is called the 'lotus effect.'
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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